Breadcrumb

Program Support Specialist

Chana Sulpar

Tell us about your work-what do you do? I work for a non-profit social service sales marketing agency. I run reports of services, analyze data and do statistical analysis . What skills are needed? A Bachelor of Arts degree and a background working with the elderly are both important. Also useful are computer skills. What was your major? I double majored in Psychology and Sociology . How did you get started in your career? I have always wanted to help people. I really wanted to become a Clinical Child Psychologist with a Ph.D. as I don't like research. However, I was financially responsible for the costs of college, so after I graduated, my focus was on paying back my loans. I had also learned much more than any textbook could have taught me during one of my internships at a shelter for battered women. After that experience, I wanted to be out in the workforce and not return to school. However, I do regret not continuing with my education. What experience do you need in this job? Computer skills, computer programming, working with the elderly . Describe your "typical" workday: I am technical support for staff, answering questions, solving problems, dealing with clients at times, putting reports into Excel, analyzing, data entry, etc. What is the hardest aspect of your job? Sometimes getting consistency in staff when they enter information into the computer. Also, not being able to find my own mistakes when the calculations don't add up. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? I love working on the computer. I can see my skills increase as well as my speed. I enjoy taking a step back and looking at the finished report that looks so professional. What are your suggestions for someone considering this field? I would suggest that you don't sell yourself short. If at all possible, continue your education and don't stop after a bachelor's degree. Take training classes, do the best you can, keep your eyes and ears open and keep motivated. Psychology is a great field.